Why “Rooted Resilience”?
In Appalachia, resilience isn’t just an idea — it’s a value we live. It’s in our people, our culture, our history, and our mountains.
The outpouring of community support after Hurricane Helene reflected this spirit — and we continue it today. Together, we’re writing a recovery story that’s rooted in unity, compassion, and strength.
Let’s keep that spirit alive.
Live Performances From
We the Poets
Jasmine Henderson and Kiran Singh Sirah are two dynamic spoken word artists and community storytellers whose work bridges art, activism, and cultural heritage.
Henderson, a passionate community organizer rooted in Appalachian and African American traditions, has produced events highlighting diversity and social justice, including efforts with the NAACP and the “Water for Flint” campaign. She is known for her series “An Evening with Our Elders” and continues to empower voices through performance and dialogue across Tennessee.
Singh Sirah, an internationally recognized storyteller and cultural leader based in Johnson City, TN, has spent over two decades developing arts and human rights initiatives honored by the United Nations, UNESCO, and the White House. With work spanning institutions like the Smithsonian, NASA, and the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation, he leads global conversations on storytelling as a force for connection and peace.
Together, their voices uplift communities and create space for reflection, healing, and growth.
Adam Keene
Adam J.N. Keene is a performing poet whose work blends humor, hope, and compassion to explore the human experience. He’s performed in seven countries and believes every audience is a room full of artists—co-creators in the moment. Known for his conversational style and improvisational flair, Adam invites listeners into a shared creative journey, often crafting new poems on the spot to meet the energy of the room. Currently pursuing a master’s in Communication Studies and Storytelling Performance, he studies how ancient and emerging myths can guide us through chaos. His passion for poetry and storytelling extends into BecoMyth, a duo with musical artist Langston Kelly that reimagines myths for the modern world.
Performance Schedule
Please join us between music sets for Poetry, Storytelling, and Interviews with Kiran Singh Sirah, Jasmine Henderson, Adam Keene, and a variety of community organizations.
Outdoor Schedule
2:00 Daniel Byrd’s Boogie Machine
3:00 Girl Scout Kegger
4:00 Glowing Pains
5:00 Sam Love’s Funk Jams
6:00 Johnson City Jazz Collective
7:00 The Kindest People
8:30 DJ Johnny Redd’s Latino Dance Party
Indoor Schedule
2:00 – 8:00 FADE Initiative: Community Art Wall, Gestural Portraits and Art Giveaways
3:00 Japanese Calligraphy with Mika Kubota
4:00 Tea tasting with Jesse Shelton, Founder of the Philosopher’s House
Food & Drink
Local Vendors
Frankenfizzle’s Apothecary
Handmade items/plant
Kat Ryalls Art
Watercolor original and print art, oracle decks
Ageless Integrative Medicine & Laser Skin Care
Medical Service
Lady Lightning
Vintage + Print Co. in Tri-Cities, Tenn.
Dragon’s Tree Custom Creations
Handmade Custom Creations and Gift Shop
The Nourish Collective
Handmade items/plant
Jon Hollenbeck
Bladesmith | Handmade knives
Always Eclectic
Handmade retail items
Mind of CC
Shirts, paintings etc
Want to be a vendor?
Non-Profits
Herbalachia
We connect folks to local plants and medicine-making traditions through field trips, study, propagation
FADE Initiative
We believe that world-class art education shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Pride Community Center
We provide a safe space to foster the well-being of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ communities of the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas.
ARC&D
We connect farmers, gardeners, and food entrepreneurs with resources like training, funding, land, and markets—while preserving farmland, supporting rural folk arts, and promoting access to local, nutritious food to build healthy, resilient communities.
Appalachian Highlands Fencing Club
Highland broadsword, European longsword, and other historical martial arts from Scotland, Ireland, and Appalachia.
Johnson City Railroad Experience
We provide a dynamic destination that tells the story of our region through the lens of its railroads, using historical collections, educational exhibits, and immersive experiences to educate, inspire, and bring joy to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
JC Junior Council
We aim to promote civic engagement among local high school students and provide City Commissioners with increased opportunities to formally hear youth perspectives on various issues.
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